McKenzie quits Reds to coach at a higher level

Ewen McKenzie has made it clear he wishes to coach at national level after informing the Queensland Reds he will quit the franchise at the end of the Super Rugby season.

McKenzie, director of coaching at the Reds, said he wishes to coach at a higher level and wanted to give Queensland Rugby enough time to plan its coaching structure for 2014.

Addressing the media in Brisbane on Tuesday, McKenzie dismissed speculation he is in line to be the next coach of Ireland but confirmed his interest in coaching the Wallabies should the opportunity arise.

Current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is contracted through to the end of 2013 and the Australian Rugby Union is expected to call for applications for the positon late this year with a view towards the 2015 World Cup.

McKenzie, a head coach at Super Rugby for nine years, was an assistant Wallabies coach to Rod Macqueen and Eddie Jones from 2000 to 2003 but would love to step up to a national head coaching role.

"I'd love to be able to coach at a higher level but loving to and getting the opportunities are two different things," McKenzie said.

"I'd love to coach the Wallabies, I've said it many times but it's not my decision."

McKenzie indictaed he would apply for the Wallabies job if it is advertised but will also consider other opportunities to coach a national team.

After joining the Reds in 2009, McKenzie guided the franchise to its first championship in 2011 in addition to back-to-back Australian conference titles.

The former NSW Waratahs coach said it was important to give clarity to the organisation, staff and players about the future.

"My experience at the Reds and with Queensland Rugby will be something I'll always treasure but I feel the time is right to pursue new coaching challenges outside of Super Rugby," McKenzie said.

"It was an extremely tough decision to make as I'll leave here at the end of the season with many great memories.

"But, I also feel the organisation is in a strong position to move forward and continue its success in future seasons."

Richard Graham was appointed head coach for the Reds this year while McKenzie assumed the role of Director of Coaching.

An invaluable contribution

Queensland Rugby Chairman Rod McCall, who was responsible for the appointment of McKenzie, praised his contribution.

"When Ewen joined us in late 2009 the Reds and Queensland Rugby were at a very low point," Mr McCall said.

"Over the past four years, Ewen has not only been responsible for turning around the on field performances and attitude of the Queensland Reds, but he has also played an integral role in bringing success back into our organisation and to our wider code in Queensland.

"While it is always difficult to farewell a championship-winning coach, we have always known that Ewen had aspirations to coach at the next level.

"This season still represents plenty of challenges as evidenced on the weekend, and we expect the group to respond accordingly.

"Knowing Ewen as I do, I expect that he will want his time with the Reds to end on a high."